PEARLS
THE GIFT OF SEA TO WOMEN
If diamonds are earth's gift to women, pearls are the gift of the sea. Shiny spheres with a smooth surface, it is perfection and symmetry bound together. The value of a pearl is a combination of seven factors: size, shape, color, lustre, surface quality, nacre quality, and— for jewelry with two or more pearls—matching.
The lustre of the pearl is what makes it truly beautiful, as the shinier it is, the more the reflections of the light in the surface, the smoothness of which is also important. When it comes to shape and size, large and symmetrical spheres are of higher value- without implying that a differently shaped pearl can not enthuse in the same manner. The size of the pearl is correlated with the sea they come from, with the South Seas pearls to lead the way.
Pearls are synonymous with elegance and style, with their classic version to be in black or white colour. But, as aesthetics evolve, modern, brighter colours become equally popular.
Every pearl has its core, which is visible depending on its complexion. When the latter is porous or transparent, the pearl is not hard enough, therefore it is of less value.
A jewel made of pearls- a necklace, a pair of earrings, a bracelet or anything else- should bring together pearls of the same quality in all 6 factors, to maintain uniformity and perfection. For aesthetical reasons, colors or sizes are often mixed, on purpose. Yet what makes pearls timeless is their balance and symmetry.